Manchester City fined in excess of £2m by the Premier League for multiple kick-off time rule breaches - Reports
Manchester City have reportedly been hit with a fine of over £2 million after multiple violations of rules surrounding kick-off times. According to Sky Sports, the Premier League defending champions have accepted the breaches.
The report claims that the Premier League have noted 22 instances over the past two seasons where Pep Guardiola's side failed to report at the correct time. This includes both kick-off time and the return after half-time. Eight of these occurred in the 2022-23 season, while the remaining 14 were in the 2023-24 campaign.
The delays lasted between one minute and close to three minutes. The longest of them came against West Ham United in the 2023-24 season finale, where they needed a win to lift the Premier League.
This incident could prove to be interesting as Manchester City continue to be investigated on the 115 financial charges made against them. These include a slew of misreported finances and breaches of Financial Fair Play and the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules, starting from the 2009-10 season. The investigation continues and it remains unclear if a decision will be made on it anytime soon.
Pep Guardiola hopes Manchester City star stays amidst links away from club
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that he wanted star goalkeeper Ederson to stay but would not be in his way if he wanted to leave. This comes after rumors that a move to the Saudi Pro League was on the cards for the Brazilian.
Guardiola said to TNT Sports Brazil:
“I only hope for him to stay with me, with City. He’s a person I love, who I want. He’s given us so much, he’s a ‘porteirazo’ [a term to describe a great goalkeeper in Spain and Portugal] I hope he gives us a clear answer as soon as possible. If he has to go… With all the pain in the heart, I’ll understand.”
“But he needs to clarify what he wants as soon as possible, because I would like that, and for us to concentrate and arrive well in the season.”
The likes of Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are believed to be in the race for Ederson, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Should he leave, Stefan Ortega is expected to take up starting duties.
Ederson has established himself as one of the world's best after completing a move to Manchester City from Benfica in 2017. He's made 332 appearances for City, keeping 155 clean sheets.